How to proofread a prescription
Before you leave the druggist’s counter, compare your doctor's prescription to the label on your bottle. You might catch a deadly mistake. June McKoy, M.D., of the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University in Chicago, tells of a patient who was given Lanoxin (a heart drug) instead of Levsin (a drug for irritable bowel). To catch similar errors, follow this prescription for proofreading:
• IS YOUR NAME correct on both the prescription and the medicine bottle? If you have a name such as Bob Jones or Mary Smith, ask the pharmacist to include your middle initial.
• IS THE NAME of the medication correct? Look carefully. Some drug names are similar. Norvasc, for example, is for treating high blood pressure. Navane is for psychosis.
• IS THE PILL the same shape, size and color as the one you have been taking? If not ask why. Is it a generic?
• IS THE DOSAGE the same as what your doctor told you?
ASK your doctor and the druggist about pill interactions.
• ARE THE INSTRUCTIONS understandable?

Tongue Movements
Your tongue is a muscle. It needs exercise to improve strength and flexibility. This will help you when speaking and eating. Use a mirror luring practice so you can both see and feel what you are doing. Do each exercise 5 to 10 times as often as you can.
• Stick the tongue straight out and pull it back in.
• Stick the tongue straight out and push it against resistance, such as the back of a spoon.
• Stick the tongue straight out and move it slowly from corner to corner of your mouth.
• Do the same movement inside your mouth, alternating pushing against each cheek.
• Open your mouth and raise the tongue tip up to the ridge behind your front teeth. Bring the tongue down to rest.
• Raise the tongue tip up to the roof of the mouth and pull it back along the roof. Bring the tongue down to rest.
• Lick all of the way around your lips, making a smooth, even circle with your tongue.
Let's Communicate, APDA Pamphlet

Straighten your toes and stop cramps
A common challenge among PWP’s is uncooperative toes. Either they twist up or they h ook under. They prevent walking. Even worse, they wake you up, and you cannot believe how much pain you are enduring. A surprisingly effective way to end these curls and cramps, while avoiding taking additional medication, is the application of dry heat. Try pouring uncooked rice into an unused sock. After filling the sock, tie a knot at the top end. Choose a sturdy sock that can withstand a little rough handling.
Place the rice-filled sock in a microwave oven, and heat it for one minute. Remove and use as a portable, flexible heating pad. Under a sheet or a blanket it will warm your toes for hours. Or, to travel more comfortably, especially in the winter cold, prepare a rice-filled sock in the microwave as before. Wrap it in a lightweight hand towel, and use it in the passenger seat, or in your wheelchair, to relieve your lower back of pain, or to keep aching ankles warm. You will be amazed at how simple, safe, and effective the “hot sock” method is. It really works quickly! PDF NEWS, Spring 2002

Devices to help toe problems
You can order items to help your toes through Dr Leonard's Healthcare Products catalog. Call 1-800-785-0880, or go online at www.drleonards.com

• If your handwriting decreases in size. Stop writing, pick up your arms, wiggle your fingers, and start writing again.
• If you have difficulty getting food to your mouth due to tremor, or involuntary movements, strap one pound weights to your wrists. They will steady your hand and help build muscle strength in your arm.
• Caregiver--Wide canvas belts can be purchased at medical supply stores. When put around the waist of a PD patient it allows caregivers something to hold and pull to assist in getting them out of a car. Living Well with Parkinson's, Glenna Wotton Atwood with Lila Green Hunnewell.